World Golf Tour

Norman Withdraws From German Event

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Greg Norman has withdrawn from the BMW International Open in Munich, Germany, this week with a recurrence of back problems.

Norman, who has periodically experienced back pain throughout his career, suffers from several bulging disks in his lumbar vertebra. The back has rarely prohibited him from competing, but when the disks are inflammed such as they have been since the PGA Championship, he is unable to properly execute his swing.

Norman played last week in the WCG-NEC Invitational, but he sought advice on the problem Saturday from his medical advisors and they recommended time off. He has been advised to return to his home in Jupiter, Fla., this week for further evaluation and therapy.

Norman's next planned event is his own Franklin Templeton Shootout scheduled for Nov. 20-24 at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Fla.

Following that event, he will compete in events on the Australasian PGA Tour in December and January before returning to the U.S. for the start of the PGA Tour's Florida Swing at Doral.